The chemotherapy protocol CHOP is one of the most commonly used regimens to treat non-Hodgkin lymphomas, according to the American Cancer Society. Recently, the drug rituximab has been added, making it CHOP-R, but that is up to the discretion of the physician and the individual situation. Drugs in the CHOP regimen include cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), doxorubicin (Adriamycin), vincristine (Oncovin) and prednisone. These chemotherapy drugs have side effects, and these vary depending on the dosage given and the individual person; not everyone will have all the side effects.
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Side effects that commonly occur with this chemotherapy drug include a lowered white blood cell count (which raises your risk of infection), hair loss, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores and diarrhea. Women may experience amenorrhea, which is the loss of menstrual periods, and men may have decreased sperm production, according to the American Cancer Society. Less commonly occurring side effects of cyclophosphamide include blood in your urine, darkening of your skin or nails and fatigue. Long-term effects may include possible second cancers and, if you received high doses of the drug, heart damage.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Common side effects of doxorubicin include low platelet and white blood cell counts (which can lead to easy bruising/bleeding and a higher risk of infection), nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, darkening of your nails and hair loss. Other side effects that may occur include mouth sores, diarrhea and skin rashes. A serious long-term effect of this drug is heart damage, which can lead to cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure. Before you start treatment with this drug, your heart will be tested and monitoring of your heart will occur during and after treatment.
Vincristine (Oncovin)
Hair loss, constipation and fatigue are the most common side effects of vincristine, according to the American Cancer Society. Other side effects that may develop include nausea or vomiting, irritation at the injection site, lowered white and red blood cell and platelet counts (leading to anemia, increased risk of infection and easy bruising/bleeding) and changes in how food tastes.
Prednisone
Prednisone is used with chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer to help prevent or minimize any allergic reactions to drugs and minimize nausea and vomiting, and is frequently used in regimens to treat leukemias and lymphomas. Commonly occurring side effects of prednisone include increased appetite, insomnia, weight gain, upset stomach and swelling in the face, hands and feet. Other side effects that may occur are mood swings, headache, dizziness, skin rashes and menstrual changes.
References
- American Cancer Society
- Handbook of Cancer Chemotherapy; Roland T Skeel; 2007
- American Cancer Society: Guide to Cancer Drugs
